Master Thesis in Global Health

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

The general aim of the master thesis is for the student to acquire general research skills and experience, and to gain skills in independent critical thinking.

In the thesis research project, the student should demonstrate skills in planning, conducting, analysing and reporting on a global health investigation. The master's thesis could be based on material collected through a short 3-4 week field work, or on existing data material and/or literature.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course the student will have the following knowledge, skills and general competence in global health research:

Knowledge

The student is able to:

  • Explain the purpose and qualities of objectives and research questions
  • Discuss relevant theories/concepts related to his/her own research project
  • Describe relevant rules and regulations on ethical research requirements

Skills

The student is able to:

  • Develop relevant research questions
  • Carry out critical literature review on well-defined and relevant health-related topics
  • Design and carry out research using the standards of the qualitative or the quantitative scientific methods, according to appropriate ethical standards
  • Present a written thesis with the structure and logical composition that characterizes an academic text
  • Discuss research findings with due attention to validity

General competence

The student is able to:

  • Use the acquired research competence to understand and discuss topics of global health
  • Communicate research findings to a general public audience
  • Engage in public debates on global health.

Level of Study

Master

Semester of Instruction

Autumn/Spring

Place of Instruction

Centre for International Health
Required Previous Knowledge
Students must have completed the previous compulsory modules of the programme.
Access to the Course

Open to students registered in the Master programme in Global Health.

The thesis work needs to be combined with a 30 ECTS internship period.

Teaching and learning methods
The thesis is to be written individually in the last semester of study (full time), and corresponds to 30 ECTS credits The student is entitled to in total 20 hours of supervision individually and in groups. Parts of this supervision may be ICT based.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
Students are required to participate in group discussion meetings for Master students in Global Health at the CIH Research School, to present their thesis work (minimum 2 times) and to peer review work/presentations by other students.
Forms of Assessment
The thesis is defended in an oral thesis examination with an internal and an external examiner.
Grading Scale
ECTS credits A-F (F = fail)
Assessment Semester
Spring, 2nd year of the study.
Reading List
The students need to find literature relevant for the thesis, in consultation with supervisor.
Course Evaluation
The course will be evaluated in accordance with the routines for participatory evaluation at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen.